Wastewater management in Kenya needs to move beyond simply disposing of sewage to finding smarter and more sustainable ways of treating and managing it.

That is the view of Eric Lawrence, Operations Manager at Zheron Waste Tech Ltd, which provides wastewater treatment and environmental solutions to property owners, businesses and institutions.

“The conversation should move from simply asking, ‘How do we get rid of our wastewater?’ to asking: ‘How do we manage, treat and potentially reuse our wastewater responsibly?’” Lawrence says.

Zheron provides Wastewater Treatment Plants, Smart Bio-septic systems, biodigesters, biological wastewater treatment products, grease traps and related equipment.

Lawrence says choosing the right technology requires an understanding of the specific wastewater problem and the conditions at each site.

“Our approach is not simply to sell a product. We first look at the wastewater problem, understand the site and then recommend an appropriate solution,” he says.

The company also emphasises maintenance. Recurring blockages, unpleasant smells and slow drainage can be signs that a wastewater system needs attention.

Zheron supplies BioClear, a biological waste digester designed to support the breakdown of organic waste in wastewater and sanitation systems. However, Lawrence cautions that such products should complement, rather than replace, proper system maintenance.

“Biological products should be part of a proper maintenance programme, not viewed as a substitute for fixing a fundamentally undersized, damaged or poorly designed wastewater system,” he says.

For properties with limited space, Zheron offers Smart Bio-septic systems and can assess existing buildings to determine whether the solution is suitable.

The company also sees potential for treated wastewater to support responsible water management where treatment standards, system design and applicable regulations allow for reuse.

Lawrence says Kenya’s wastewater sector must increasingly embrace planned and sustainable management.

“Don’t wait for wastewater problems to become emergencies. Prepare now,” he advises.

For Zheron, smarter wastewater management means combining appropriate technology, regular maintenance and responsible treatment to protect the environment and reduce operational disruptions.

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